Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Jang
Hi Peter, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Columbus, Ohio and grew up slightly north of there in Delaware, Ohio. To give you an idea of where I’m from, it took me 30 minutes of driving, through cornfield with no traffic, to get to high school everyday. During that time, I started martial arts when I was 8 years old, and achieved 5 Junior National Championships in Olympic style Taekwondo. At 18, I moved to UC San Diego where I fought for my college team, and achieved 3rd individually and 2nd as a team in the PAC West conference. in 2009, I graduated with my Economics Degree. While in school, I was hired as an extra for a TV pilot that never aired, and this gave me my first taste on the film industry.
I moved to Los Angeles in 2011 and quickly found my passion working in the film industry. Once I realized that the business practices I learned in college applied to the film industry, and that my desire for entrepreneurship could mix with my love for performance and film, I decided to pursue acting full time and began a 2 year Meisner Program at the prestigious Ruskin School of Acting in Santa Monica. With my physical skills, I was recommended to learn about the stunt industry, and soon I found a great niche in which to break into the film industry with.
Now, 14 years later, I have performed in over 70 television shows and movies across every major network. In 2016, I founded Simplicity Pictures, Inc., and have so far have produced 3 internationally acclaimed short films that I wrote, directed and starred in. My feature screenplays have also won international acclaim by prestigious organizations such as the International Screenwriters Association and Filmmatic, and I look forward to directing and starring in my first feature film next year.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any great endeavor worth pursuing, my journey has had many struggles. Some personal, some that are routine for film industry workers, and many others such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike last year that are exceedingly rare. The life of a freelancer, in any profession, is a tough road, but it is also fulfilling enough that it is worth the trouble.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My career in the entertainment industry is a blend of acting, stunt work, and filmmaking. I’m known for my versatility, having over 100 credits across TV shows, movies, and web series. My roles range from high-intensity action to deeply emotional drama, and I’m the founder of Simplicity Pictures, an independent production company focused on storytelling that matters.
While I’ve made a name for myself in action and stunt performance, my filmmaking isn’t just about explosions and fight sequences—it’s about telling human stories. I specialize in crafting narratives that are both visually engaging and emotionally resonant, whether it’s through intense physicality or quieter, character-driven moments. My recent project, Mask, is a powerful drama centered on a veteran struggling with PTSD. It’s a story that’s close to my heart, bringing awareness to mental health in a raw and honest way.
What sets me apart is my deep involvement in every aspect of the filmmaking process. I’m not only in front of the camera as an actor but also behind it, directing and producing projects that push boundaries and challenge stereotypes. I approach every film with a focus on authenticity—making sure the action, drama, or emotion isn’t just about spectacle but about real, relatable human experiences.
One of my greatest strengths is my background in martial arts, where I’ve achieved multiple national championships and international medals. This has given me a disciplined mindset and a deep appreciation for the mental and physical preparation that goes into every role. My work as a stuntman isn’t about being flashy; it’s about storytelling through movement, creating scenes that feel true to life while still being visually captivating.
I’m proud of the work I’ve done, particularly because I aim to tell stories that don’t just entertain but leave an impact. Whether it’s a drama like Mask, a psychological thriller like Pawns, or any of my other projects, I strive to make each film a blend of heart, intensity, and purpose. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the final product for me; it’s about the journey—the dedication, the setbacks, and the triumphs that make every story worth telling.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in an area that lacked diversity, I felt like a bit of an outsider. Very young, I had a bit of a temper, but when I started martial arts at 8, I took on a much more disciplined and peaceful personality. I was always very curious about the world and took a liking to poetry and writing at a young age. I loved watching tv shows and movies, and I ha d a lot of fun playing videos games, though I took full advantage of the awesome nature around my area. In my teens, Martial arts dominated my life, spending minimum 20 hours a week training, on top of some school sports like track, lacrosse, and swimming, Though martial arts, I got to travel all around the country to compete in Junior Olympic Championships and US Open competitions. These experiences gave me a love for travel, and my father’s connections into the Chinese and Taiwanese communities gave me a curiosity for other cultures. I was a good student, though I liked to argue with my teachers about their topics and grades, and that made sure I kept a thirst for knowledge that continues to this day.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.simplicity.pictures
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/peterjangofficial
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/simplicity.pictures.inc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplicitypictures8719
Image Credits
Russell Baer
